Being forced to attend courses
Discussion
A friend who came out of prison for driving offences was put on probation for a year were he had to see his probation officer every 2 weeks, that ended and now he has to attend compulsory entry 2 employment training programmes otherwise they will refer him to the courts and police.
He has asked probation who decides he has to attend, what will happen if he does not attend in writing and any court documents confirming he has to abide by these conditions.
The probation officer has threatened to call the police as he is being disruptive, the probation service manager has advised the same as the probation officer.
He is not looking for work, he does not sign on or claim any benefit as he gets his money from several properties he rents out.
He does not want to attend these programmes and has spoken to the court who are no help and direct him to the probation office.
What can he do?
He has asked probation who decides he has to attend, what will happen if he does not attend in writing and any court documents confirming he has to abide by these conditions.
The probation officer has threatened to call the police as he is being disruptive, the probation service manager has advised the same as the probation officer.
He is not looking for work, he does not sign on or claim any benefit as he gets his money from several properties he rents out.
He does not want to attend these programmes and has spoken to the court who are no help and direct him to the probation office.
What can he do?
can't he go officially self employed? or setup a limited company? Bet he isn't paying any tax though.
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax...
https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax...
Crispynotes said:
He was given 6 month sentence and came out in 4 months, told to complete probation for 1 year and that's it, he has completed his probation service.
The last two months of his sentence is on licence. Part of that licence is successfully completing a year's probation. Part of that probation is going on the courses.If he doesn't, he can be recalled to serve the remaining two months of his prison sentence.
Crispynotes said:
He is busy with the properties he rents out and is not looking for a job.
Perhaps he might like to contemplate his priorities. How long are these courses, anyway?What "driving offences" gave him six months inside?
Does seem a little daft. Probation is a way of introducing ex-offenders back into the community and sometimes giving them the skills required to make a step towards employment thus hopefully ending the often repeated cycle of poverty/drugs/crime.
Not sure why the probation service and courts think such courses are applicable here. No help to the OP's friend and a waste of money by a service operating on a limited budget. Computer says no, I guess.
Not sure why the probation service and courts think such courses are applicable here. No help to the OP's friend and a waste of money by a service operating on a limited budget. Computer says no, I guess.
xjay1337 said:
Vaud said:
Why doesn't he just do the courses?
Can't say I wouldn't feel similar in his position, I suspect these courses are for proper scum and I doubt he did anything to put him into that category.The whole prison/probation system is about ticking stupid boxes created by stupid people and implemented by even more stupid people who generally just want an easy life and there is zero interest in proper rehabilitation programs or anything like that. It's a crying shame that something isn't done about it, but it never will be in our lifetimes so best just accept it.
My advice to him is to just attend, tick the box and get on with his life! Sorry I can't be more positive than that!
My advice to him is to just attend, tick the box and get on with his life! Sorry I can't be more positive than that!
cb1965 said:
The whole prison/probation system is about ticking stupid boxes created by stupid people and implemented by even more stupid people who generally just want an easy life and there is zero interest in proper rehabilitation programs or anything like that. It's a crying shame that something isn't done about it, but it never will be in our lifetimes so best just accept it.
My advice to him is to just attend, tick the box and get on with his life! Sorry I can't be more positive than that!
It's a stitistical process. It helps the majority of people the majority of the time. Much like GCSE'S - some kids sit them at 16, and some sit them at 10. The system is designed to help the average criminal/prisoner. My advice to him is to just attend, tick the box and get on with his life! Sorry I can't be more positive than that!
if I were the OPs/mate I'd say suck it up and do the course - life will go on.
xjay1337 said:
Vaud said:
Why doesn't he just do the courses?
Can't say I wouldn't feel similar in his position, I suspect these courses are for proper scum and I doubt he did anything to put him into that category.
Why would they put him on Employment Training programs if he was sentenced for driving offences?
I used to work for the Home Office eons ago and have a passing knowledge of Probation (as it was back then). The purpose of Programmes was to cut re-offending. If your lack of employment was a cause of the offending then you'd get put onto something like a Basic Skills programme. In other words they'd put you on a programme aimed at addressing the cause of the offending.
Anyway if it was driving offences I assume it's CRC rather than Probation - no?
ETA - also why would the "Probation Officer" threaten to call the Police? They would just report him to the Court for not complying with the Court Order?
I used to work for the Home Office eons ago and have a passing knowledge of Probation (as it was back then). The purpose of Programmes was to cut re-offending. If your lack of employment was a cause of the offending then you'd get put onto something like a Basic Skills programme. In other words they'd put you on a programme aimed at addressing the cause of the offending.
Anyway if it was driving offences I assume it's CRC rather than Probation - no?
ETA - also why would the "Probation Officer" threaten to call the Police? They would just report him to the Court for not complying with the Court Order?
Edited by Countdown on Tuesday 7th March 20:49
^^Agreed. It does seem to be a strange thing to have implemented. RAR is supposed to be tailored towards the individual and to give them enough support so they don't re-offend. Not sure how the requirement to attend the proposed courses will help this person at all.
Still, it'll be another box ticked for NPS/CRC and will be treated as a success for them. Always good to have success stories when applying for further funding.
Still, it'll be another box ticked for NPS/CRC and will be treated as a success for them. Always good to have success stories when applying for further funding.
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